The U.S. Virgin Islands are often termed ‘America’s Caribbean Paradise’, owing to their exquisite blend of pampering, undisturbed nature, and colonial history. Sprawling beaches known for their emerald waters and bright coral sand permeate the three islands, which celebrate diversity through a tapestry of West Indian, African, European, and American influences.
Jamming to the captivating rhythms of Calypso and Quelbe music, feeling the pulsating energy, tasting the delicious local cuisine, and casting your eyes on the stunning fusion of art and ocean – a visit to the Virgin Islands is to delight all the senses at once.
The islands house some of the world’s most awe-inspiring hotels, offering the perfect base to dive into the reef-ridden waters. From beachfront boutiques to chic illustrations of historical splendour, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands (in no particular order)…
1. Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham – St Thomas – fun, cool, trendy and exotic accommodation perfect for party-loving Millenials and Gen Zs
Kick off your flip flops and relax on the soft white sands of Water Bay – This stunning Margaritaville property awaits with a tropical breeze amid blazing sunsets and swaying palm trees.
Boasting elegant one- and two-bedroom suites which comfortably sleep two to six guests, you will be graced by a remarkable private balcony with sweeping panoramas, opportunities to dine right on the beach, and soothing moments by a glistening pool dotted by swinging hammocks.
Situated on the eastern end of St. Thomas, the island’s stunning beaches and epic water adventures are just a stone’s throw away from your peaceful sanctuary.
- To book, check prices or availability for Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham – St Thomas
2. King Christian Hotel – a chic, hip and modern hotel with a stylish design close to local attractions
This epic waterfront hotel overlooks Fort Christiansvaern from a 300-year-old fixture in downtown Christiansted, where the traditions and charm of the Danish West Indies come alive through stunning historical architecture.
Offering 46 fully remodelled rooms, custom-designed terra cotta flooring complements the bespoke furniture and floor-to-ceiling marble-clad bathrooms.
The beautifully landscaped pool and sundeck is embellished with a bountiful array of lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas, offering the perfect place to kick back and soak up the island charm.
Incredible snorkelling experiences await at Cay Beach, which can be accessed with a water taxi across the harbour from the hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for King Christian Hotel
3. The Waves at Cane Bay – a hip, Instagrammable and beautiful seafront boutique hotel with unique decor that provides a peaceful setting where you can unplug and unwind
This intimate oceanfront boutique saw a full re-imagination in 2021, transforming it into a blissful sanctuary backdropped by towering coconut palms.
Each of the 11 air-conditioned suites evokes a unique charm, and boasts full kitchenettes as well as private patios with direct ocean views, where you can sit out and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing into shore.
Built directly on the water with a natural grotto and endless St. Thomas views, once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities await.
The on-site restaurant AMA serves sustainable seafood, and offers an open-air setting with two bars featuring handcrafted cocktails.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Waves at Cane Bay
4. Lovango Resort and Beach Club – a trendy, elegant and serene seafront resort ideal for a romantic stay
Relax among the lush tropical beauty of Lovango, where wraparound ocean views spark a breath-taking tropical atmosphere.
A boho-chic vibe is radiated effortlessly through treetop accommodations, freestanding glamping tents, and exclusive villas, where outdoor showers and bright accents pair perfectly with the island breezes.
Plenty of Cumaru wood seating areas allow you to relish the unobstructed cay views, and the luxe touches like mosquito nets that drape over the elegant bed frames showcases a design which pays homage to the island’s sultry ambiance.
If you like the sound of waking up hillside, grabbing your snorkel and jumping straight into a private stretch of ocean, then Lovango Resort is a must-visit sanctuary for you!
- To book, check prices or availability for Lovango Resort and Beach Club
5. The Fred – Adults-only Hotel – an ultra-chic boutique resort that provides direct access to a private beach and eco-friendly guest rooms
Named after King Frederik V of Denmark, The Fred adds a flash of contemporary elegance to its 6 preserved historic structures, each with its own unique personality and story.
Boasting 22 eco-friendly guestrooms, The Fred has received a plethora of awards including the ‘Best New Boutique Resort’ by Caribbean Journal, and ‘Best New Business/Spa’ by the readers of the VI daily news.
Here, guests can unwind on the beach or lounge next to one of two salt-water pools, before enjoying a fruity cocktail in the view of a scintillating sunset. The ‘West Is Best’ reputation of Frederiksted is reflected elegantly in the barefoot chic restaurant.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Fred – Adults only Hotel
6. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas – one of the most luxurious and Instagrammable hotels in the US Virgin Islands
This beloved St. Thomas masterpiece welcomes you to a new era of island-inspired elegance, ready to enchant you with Great Bay and verdant mountain views, as well as extensive water sport offerings.
An alluring sense of nautically inspired luxury is the result of an all-encompassing revamp, and the lavish rooms and suites boast one-of-a-kind views from pristine balconies.
Reflecting the charm of Caribbean culture, the on-site restaurants are designed to embrace local elements, with fresh, locally sourced delicacies set to let your taste buds run wild.
Against an awe-inspiring Caribbean sea backdrop, a gentle respite place is nurtured at the seaside enclave spa, offering one of the most diverse selections of therapies and spa treatments in the Virgin Islands.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
7. The Mafolie Hotel – a charming Caribbean-style hotel perfect for a relaxing vacation
This independently owned St. Thomas hotel invites you to experience an unparalleled combo of luxury amenities, gourmet dining, and boutique services, catering to the budget-conscious traveller.
The Mafolie strikingly overlooks the harbour, town, and sea, owing to its impeccable location on the hillside. Through the hotel’s many stone & tile walkways and arched doorways, a quaint ambiance can be relished amid tropical greenery.
Ranked by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine as one of the top value resorts in St. Thomas, a welcoming world of comforts enhances the lure of the palm-ridden setting, and the 22 rustic, character-filled guestrooms are decorated with tropical wood furnishings and artsy Caribbean accents.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Mafolie Hotel
8. Estate Lindholm – a charming and distinctive boutique beach hotel that features Indonesian-themed rooms
This intimate bed and breakfast is set among Danish plantation ruins dating back to the 1720’s, offering a unique hospitality twist through timeless charm and simple elegance.
The lush green landscaping and remnants of the original buildings provide a spot of blissful solitude, and the 16 homey, island-style rooms evoke a vintage charm through bespoke decor.
Natural stonework, wrought iron gates, and flower-covered pergolas complement the historical elements, while the carved tropical woodwork is designed to offer an air of intimacy.
A bountiful array of quirky, garden-style nooks sprinkled ornately around the grounds offers ambient spots for reading and relaxing.
- To book, check prices or availability for Estate Lindholm
9. Villa Nautilus St. Thomas – a cool and trendy place to stay in the US Virgin Islands
A stay at Villa Nautilus will immerse you in a dreamy crystal cove experience you may never want to leave. The villas showcase the fruits of exceptional attention to detail, with three high-end units boasting comfortable and stylish furnishings, and a first-rate concierge service on hand to draft up the perfect adventure itinerary.
The inspired design work evokes an air of luxury, with opulent materials and island charm forming the perfect home base from which to dive right into the turquoise splendour of St. Thomas.
Besides an on-site restaurant which serves tasty locally inspired delicacies, the property boasts a BBQ area where guests can revel in the island charm and cook up their own feasts with family and friends.
- To book, check prices or availability for Villa Nautilus St. Thomas
10. St John Inn – a colorful, kitsch, and quirky boutique hotel to stay in the US Virgin Islands
Private villas are also an option, for those who want to kick back in total seclusion with their own palm-lined outdoor seating area. On-site amenities include a lush poolside area with outdoor grilling options, and guests can take advantage of free snorkel rentals and a sunset happy hour.
Endeavouring to make your Caribbean experience second to none, a personalized service is offered to guests, adding a graceful charm to your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
- To book, check prices or availability for St John Inn
11. The Breeze-A Boutique Villa Experience – a charming and refined guest house great for large groups
The dazzling grandeur of island nature is coupled with a stunning cliffside location exhibiting fantasy sunrises, enhanced with an electrifying ocean charm at this boutique property.
Sharing the space with exotic reptiles and iridescent hummingbirds, The Breeze’s minimalist style mimics the laid-back rhythms of island life.
A lavish spiralling staircase leads you to an enchanting poolside paradise, which is girdled by soaring trees, offering a peaceful, tropical reprieve.
The 3 pavilions which constitute the property encompass 7 nautically inspired bedrooms, as well as a living room with a zinc wet bar, and spacious living terraces, offering a handful of zones where you can seek total solitude.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Breeze-A Boutique Villa Experience
12. St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toys – cool, fun and unique accommodation ideal for boat lovers
Treating lucky visitors to a distinctive hospitality experience aboard a 62ft classic sailboat, this exclusive B&B is furnished in solid golden teak, and boasts two exquisite private guest cabins with en-suites.
A celestial breeze flows through the extra-large over-head hatches and side ports, and the Captain will sail you to some untouched beaches before bringing you back to sunset cocktails on the fore deck.
This traditionally decorated boat offers the chance to engage in nearby happy hours, as well as opportunities to interact with some of the charming locals who characterize the island. Hop on board and see the corners of the islands that most tourists don’t get to!
- To book, check prices or availability for St Thomas Bnb on Sailboat Ragamuffin incl meals water toys
13. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive – a fun but laid-back beach hotel to stay in the US Virgin Islands perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs or families
This family-owned and operated beach resort is nestled in a pristine sandy bay in the heart of St. Thomas.
There’s no better place to see life in the Virgin Islands than at Bolongo Bay, with a delightful Caribbean band providing a light-hearted atmosphere.
The pool area is connected to a gorgeous white sand beach by a narrow patio area lined with comfy sunbeds beneath swaying palms. Your perfect tropical getaway will begin with a visit to the serene swim-up pool bar, where premium drinks and locally inspired cocktails can be savoured.
The attentive staff presence is always on hand to ensure that the memories you create are ones that will last a lifetime!
- To book, check prices or availability for Bolongo Bay Beach Resort All Inclusive
14. Sand Castle on the Beach – Adults Only – a tropical and laid-back hotel that overlooks the Caribbean Sea
Lose yourself in the majesty of this mid-century jewel, where the joy of blue sky touching the azure waters, and the serenity of refined well-being is brought to you in the form of swinging hammocks beneath soaring palms.
Situated on a stretch of white sand, steps from the historic town of Frederiksted, Sand Castle is an intimate boutique offering 5 room types.
From studios to beachfront villas, a stay here will melt your stresses away as you reconnect body, mind, and soul. Seasonal fare and artisanal cocktails are combined amid the gentle ocean breeze of the seaside terrace restaurant, and the guided excursions are designed to enhance an adventurous spirit.
- To book, check prices or availability for Sand Castle on the Beach – Adults Only
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Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.